Q&A With Col. Michael Hilliard From Brooke Army Medical Center: Military Trauma Treatment A Constant Learning Experience to Train Others

As the only level one trauma center in the Department of Defense doctors at Brooke Army Medical Center often see the most badly wounded service members coming in from all over the world. How they treat those patients can help improve care in local civilian trauma centers and emergency departments in the future.

Col. Michael Hilliard, MD, head of emergency medicine at the Texas institution discussed what it means to play such a pivotal role in the global care of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who are wounded and need care for any number of serious issues.

Even half a world away when a member of the armed forces is wounded they can be safely and efficiently transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in less than 24 hours to get the care they need. With a wide variety of specialists on call, including a leading burn unit, that care can make the difference between life and death with a good chance for favorable results thanks to training and technology.

Not just any doctor can work in a trauma department, especially a high traffic one like that at Brooke Army Medical Center. Finding them and giving them the training they need can help them during their time in Texas and beyond to provide care for patients all over the world.